Giants’ Younghoe Koo Epic Whiff On Kick Symbolic Of Giants’ Woes

In a Monday night matchup between the Giants and the Patriots, Younghoe Koo had one of the most bizarre missteps you’ll see from an NFL kicker.

After a strong opening for the Patriots, a stretch that included another special-teams blunder by the Giants, when Marcus Jones returned a punt 94 yards for a touchdown, the Giants finally got a massive stop on defense, hoping to put an end to New England’s 17–0 run.

They were unable to find the end zone on the following drive and had to settle for a 47-yard field goal attempt from Koo. But when Koo stepped up to kick, instead of sending the ball through the uprights, he drove his foot directly into the ground, kicking dirt instead of leather.

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It appeared he stepped too far forward with his left foot, throwing off the rhythm of the entire attempt. As a result, holder and punter Jamie Gillan was tackled, leading to a sack and a turnover on downs.

It didn’t get better from there. After the whiffed kick, the Patriots drove down the field and scored yet another touchdown to make it 24–7. On the ensuing return, Gunner Olszewski was drilled by Patriots linebacker Christian Ellis, forcing a fumble. Still, Jaxson Dart and the Giants managed to string together a few solid drives and put 15 points on the board.

The Giants’ early woes were too much to overcome, though, as they ultimately lost 33–15. There were still a few silver linings. With Jaxson Dart finally out of the concussion protocol, the Giants were able to get their quarterback back on the field. Dart also took a big shot during the game, getting hit as he approached the sideline and flipping into the air.

Looking ahead, the schedule doesn’t look too daunting for the Giants, as they face the Commanders and Vikings in their next two matchups. Both teams have had their share of quarterback struggles this year and, as a result, have had trouble winning games, making these contests winnable for New York. However, the Giants have already been eliminated from playoff contention, rendering the outcomes of those games largely moot.